mje

I'm looking to buy either an older Acura TL or a Lexus ES 300. I prefer the TL, but I can only spend $9,000.00. What year do you think I'll have to get considering I can only spend that amount, maybe as much as $10,000.

Also, what are some problems older TL models have, i.e. transmission, tires, engine, suspension, etc.

Thanks, folks! I appreciate any insight you can offer me.

copy252

autotrader.com is now your friend!

cambo

With the 1G TL, the biggest problem you'll find is that the D4 light in the gauge cluster burns out rather fast and the front passenger window rolls up slow.

copy252

agreed!!! the D4 light is nothing to replace and there a DIY somewhere on here to help the window probs out. i know i got my 1998 3.2 for 9500 and it had 64000 miles on it. little rust that cost like 300 to get rid of (they even fixed some random dings!) some blood where someone was stabbed or some shit! not lie! carpet cleaner from autozone got it out easy tho! needed new tires brakes and rotors which ran a little bit. say 1000 rounded off. other than that car is awesome and a great price!

Rpappi

i love when get get a new car and have to clean the blood out of it. it tells you that most of the bad luck with the car is already used up so your safe.

wackjum

Or good luck if the guy survived.

copy252

wackjum

I would not buy a ES300. The generation you're looking at (pre 2000) is essentially a Camry with Lexus badges. Save money and get a Camry if you're going that way.

The ES330 was somewhat better. The ES350 is a completely different car though.

TLBaller

actually the 07 camry is about the same as the es350, both are now 3.5 liter engine but the 350 has 4 more hp than the camry. Both great cars though but id choose the styling of the new camry over the es

Got_3.2?

iTrader: (2)

my bro had a black 98 es300 n i liked it. id get a 98+ es300 instead of a 1g tl

UnsanePyro

You can get a pretty nice 1G TL for that price, and for the most part, they are really reliable.

There is a thread with common problems here, and the most common ones are easy fixes (slow windows, d4 light) and some with other fixes (CD-PE0 error, noisy windows)

copy252

my windows are noisey and slowish. i really dont care tho! i should do the fix sometime

Haikoo

I'm calling

We own a 00 ES300 and my uncle owns a 98 Camry. I've driven both and they are nothing alike. The Lexus feels like a lexus...quiet, luxurious, powerfull.etc.

If you can find a Lexus for that price then go for it. IMO.

Haikoo

If you're looking for a 1st gen TL, I happen to be selling mine.

For an acurazine member I'd be willing to go below kbb.

wackjum

My sister has a 1997 ES300 and my ex girlfriend has a 2000 Camry. I've rode in both extensively and yes, they are very much the same inside and out. Except one has leather and the other is cloth.

This exact ES300 model I was referring to: http://www.executiveauto.com/LrgImages/5741_97Lexus.htm

That's why I said no to the pre 2000 ES series.

Altitude

Ill sell you my 3.2 TL for 8gs.

mje

For those of you who have posted on this thread with a car to sell, I am interested in what you have available. I live in Wisconsin half way between Milwaukee and Green Bay. I'd prefer a black exterior with either a black or tan interior. I'm not interested in traveling too far (100 miles tops) to see your car, but let me know what you have and maybe we can work something out. I still have to sell my 03 Accord EX coupe, too.

copy252

ive been waiting to sell my acura tl. i wanted to get a second gen but with all the tranny probs.... NEVER! i think my next car will be a 2000+ ES300. the only thing i dont like about the 98 TL is it doesnt have any newer luxery options! what i mean is auto dimming rear view with compass/temp, no homelink, memory seats, navi... it just seemed my 99 olds intrigue was MUCH MORE luxery than the one year older TL! granted the TL is prolly like 60% more reliable... thats what sold me! i would def go for a newer es300 and just spend the extra if needed. the 1st gen TL's are a great car, just not as updated as some others IMO. you can have mine for 11,500 if you want tho!! lol!

mje

Thanks! I appreciate your candor. You make an important point.

FastHarry

ill sell you mine 96 with 120K, new tires, alpine type R;s all around. Awesome condition.
$6.5K

demons rage

iTrader: (1)

i say you get an acura legend with the typeII motor 6spd
prolly hard as hell to find, but.. *drooL*